Manual Treatments: Cox Flexion Distraction Technique
Specialty Treatments in Chiropractic Care
The Cox Flexion Distraction Technique (also referred to as the Cox® Technic) was developed by Dr. James M. Cox as a gentle, non-force adjustment procedure to help the spine heal naturally. The Cox Flexion Distraction Technique is an alternative to back surgery and prescription drugs.
This technique is a form of spinal manipulation that relieves back pain, leg pain, neck pain, and even arm pain. It is based on principles of both chiropractic and osteopathy, a combination that often provides quick relief without the need for surgery. It is one of the most effective and well-researched techniques used by back specialists and chiropractors.
If you’re suffering from back pain and you’re looking for an alternative to orthopedic surgery, contact our office to connect with a chiropractor with a strong background in orthopedic surgery, physical t, therapy and chiropractic care. If you have questions or concerns about the Cox Flexion Distraction Technique, your chiropractor can address them with educated answers. A skilled active life chiropractor can determine whether this is the technique for you.
How does the Cox® Technic work?
The Cox Flexion Distraction Technique is a non-surgical, hands-on spinal manipulation. The ultimate goal of the technique is to decompress the spine by applying gentle stretching or traction to the lower spine.
Your Reno Chiropractor, will first have you lie down on a special table, often referred to as the “Cox Table”. The table has moving parts that will help the chiropractor properly administer the procedure and effectively separate the different parts of the spine.
The combination of this adjustment table and very gentle pressure utilizes flexion-distraction and decompression to increase the disc height between vertebrae. This decompresses the spinal column and restores the spinal joints to their proper alignment and range of motion. Your doctor can adjust the different sections of the table to neutralize the effects of gravity and then apply gentle pressure to the affected areas. The movements are repetitive and usually slow, without any quick thrusts or excessive pressure.
The technique has been found to improve people’s lives by:
- Reducing pressure within the disc
- widening the spinal canal
- improving the range of motion in spinal joints and in arms, legs, and shoulders
- improving posture
- reducing pressure on spinal nerves
- increasing circulation
- improving nerve communication
Is Cox Flexion Distraction Technique the solution to my pain?
Maybe. Some common conditions that the Cox Technique can be used for are:
- herniated discs
- a slipped disc
- a ruptured disc
- facet syndrome
- stenosis
- spondylolisthesis
However, the technique is not exclusive to these conditions. Talk about your pain, and let him/her perform a thorough examination to determine what treatment might be right for you.
Because of its gentle, non-force nature, it is often used with patients who are recovering from spinal surgery or who are in rehabilitation. Not only is the process painless, but many patients report feeling pleasant and relaxed during the procedure. The technique is widely known as an effective treatment without the need for surgery.